UPDATED: October 8, 2024
As seen in Success
Many people try to disconnect from work while on vacation, but cutting the cord completely isn’t easy. A 2023 survey from online learning platform ELVTR found that 68% of respondents said they worked while on vacation. And just breaking away from your desk usually isn’t enough to break free from the demands and distractions of work, says therapist Maria Rheba Estante. She points out that studies have shown even minimal smartphone use can undermine the enjoyment of leisure activities because your attention is divided.
Plus, “researchers found that using phones to capture experiences for future memories actually worsens memories of those experiences in the moment,” she says.
Ditching screens can give your mind a much-needed recharge and can lead to lots of benefits, according to Estante. “Employees who unplug on vacation experience less stress, higher engagement and greater productivity on the job compared to those who can’t cut the cord,” she says.
An analog vacation solution
Like many people, I spend too much time on my phone. Even when traveling, I find it hard to resist the urge to pull out my phone a couple of times an hour and hop on my laptop as soon as I get back to my hotel room for the night. I’ve tried to exercise self-control and failed each time. I’m not alone.
The travel industry is responding to the desire travelers have to find balance on vacation. “What’s old is new again,” says Eyrún Aníta Gylfadóttir, marketing manager at Hotel Ranga in the south of Iceland. While hotels and resorts once rushed to upgrade their technology, some are now leaning into low-tech amenities and activities to help guests be more present and escape the daily grind.
To encourage guests to live in the moment, Gylfadóttir helped develop an “analog menu” with tools to help them disconnect, without having to lock up their cell phones on arrival.
The package, which is available upon request, includes a deck of cards, two disposable cameras, a custom coloring book inspired by local folklore and a personalized map of South Iceland. All Hotel Ranga guests can send a hand-written postcard from the hotel free of charge.
When I stayed there, instead of mindlessly scrolling on my phone at night, I reached for my Iceland-themed coloring book and deck of cards. And although I stayed in touch with my family over FaceTime, they were delighted to get a postcard in the mail and hold printed photos from my trip in their hands when I returned. Hotel Ranga guest Marissa Meizz, thought the analog package was “charming” and “really brought out the joy of unplugging.”
The growing analog trend shows the demand for travel experiences that allow you to tune into your surroundings without the noise of constant technology, Gylfadóttir says. “To live in the present and not just for the ‘gram, and enjoy the experience as it is happening is a really special treat for guests in today’s age.”
I left Hotel Ranga committed to seeking out analog vacations in the future. I quickly found another great option.
Taking an analog vacation sounds like the perfect way to disconnect and recharge. In a world where we’re constantly plugged in, stepping away from screens can bring a much-needed reset. This also ties into outreach for SEO—sometimes, a more human approach is needed to build real connections. Just as these destinations encourage people to slow down and be present, SEO outreach should focus on meaningful relationships rather than just numbers. High-quality backlinks, genuine engagement, and strategic partnerships create long-term success, much like a well-planned retreat leaves a lasting impact on mental well-being.